Cissy and Tasha’s new home was in an underground cavern,
created by the mining that was the Kalquorian Empire’s greatest asset. Cissy hadn’t been too sure about living
underground, but she’d been told she would never know the difference. We’ll
see about that, she thought as the small Imperial shuttle left the cliff to
perform a steep banking maneuver that took them into a tunnel within the cliff
face.
Jessica said, “Usually only emergency vehicles are allowed
in the underground. You have to walk or run everywhere otherwise.”
“I guess being royal has its advantages, Your Grace?” Cissy
teased.
“Be nice or I’ll shove my silver spoon up your nose,”
Jessica said in a snotty tone. It was
ruined as she broke down into giggles.
Lindsey didn’t join in the humor. “Jessica has to be
careful, as little as she wants to admit it.
This rebellion issue has meant abduction attempts. It’s scary how close
we’ve come to losing her.”
“But you haven’t and you won’t.” The young woman tried to
wave off everyone’s concern. “The Basma
doesn’t have enough followers rallied to his cause of an Earther-free Empire to
make his rebellion a true threat.”
“Yet.” Lindsey was dogged in her determination to give them
the full story. “There are signs that more Kalquorians are swayed to his cause
every day. He damned near cost us Haven Colony a few months ago.”
“You’re being dramatic,” Jessica complained. It was funny for her to ascribe that to
Lindsey, since Cissy knew how temperamental her youngest cousin could be. Jessica’s stormy temper was legendary in
their family.
“I heard what Governor Ospar told you. Earthers and Kalquorians on that colony
banding together under the common cause of keeping the races separate? Even though it could drive us both into
extinction? That’s unheard of.”
“Ospar loves to be dramatic.
He thrives on the hint of conspiracies and mayhem, though I suspect he’s
behind quite a few such things himself.
I love that guy, but he’s not happy unless he’s in the middle of
trouble.” Jessica waved her hand dismissively. “Enough talk of rebellions. Full vid on.”
Cissy and Tasha yelped as the entire shuttle seemed to
disappear from around them. Except for
the doorway that opened into the vessel’s cockpit and the lushly cushioned
seats they sat upon, there was nothing but a lit tunnel rushing past them.
“You ass,” Cissy said, shoving her royal cousin. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the
Royal Guards stiffen, coming to alert attention.
Oops. I didn’t think of how Jessica’s security
would take an ‘attack’ on her royal person. It’s a good thing she’s laughing at
me or I might be a spot on the non-existent floor.
Lindsey wasn’t worried about the Royal Guards either, aiming
a kick at Jessica’s shin. “You are an
ass, scurvy dog. I think Tasha wet herself.”
“No, it was a good trick.” Agreeable as always, Tasha smiled
at Jessica. “It’s amazing to see
everything like this.”
Jessica blew a raspberry at her. “Damn it, I forgot how good
you are at making me feel guilty. When are you going to get an ugly side like
Cissy?”
Cissy had heard enough. “That’s it. Hold her down,
Lindsey. I’m going to tickle her until
she pees her royal panties.”
No release date set.
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